Tell us about you.
Hi! I’m Anna, an 18-year-old illustrator. I’m currently studying illustration at SCAD and would love to eventually become a full-time, freelance illustrator.
I’ve always loved to draw and create characters. Most of my art is portrait based because I find the human figure to be a fascinating subject. Besides creating art, I love Chinese food, sleeping in, spending time with friends and family and watching far too many TV shows.
When was the first time you fell in love with the digital art world? And why?
I think I was about 13 when I first discovered digital art. A lot of my favorite contemporary artists worked digitally, so I thought I’d give it a try as well. It was only when I discovered Photoshop did I begin taking digital art seriously. It quickly became my favorite medium because of its versatility. Working with unlimited colors and canvases also helped me experiment quite a lot which allowed me to grow as an artist.
Where are you located now? Do you wish to be somewhere else at this moment, instead?
I currently live in Savannah, Georgia but grew up in San Francisco, California. However, I’d love to travel around the world one day. I’ve always wanted to move to some place in Europe, or anywhere with a rich history and scenic surroundings.
What makes your works stand-out or different from other digital artist?
Everyone has a personal voice. I feel like mine is still developing, but I love drawing ethereal characters and combining graphic and realistic styles. I tend to include a lot of movement in my pieces and I always try to add some mystery and story behind each piece.
Have you heard/visited www.somethingwelike.com before? Do you have any inputs to make it better?
I haven’t, but I’ve been having fun reading all the interviews and learning about new artists!
How does working professionally differ from being an amateur in your opinion?
Besides the financial aspect, I feel that professionals are required to dedicate most of their lives to art. Passion and drive are necessary to succeed. Coping with deadlines and being able to interpret the client’s demands in an effective way are also distinguishing factors.
If you could meet w/ any artist (one) past or present, whom would it be?
I’m not really sure. If it was someone I really admired I probably wouldn’t know what to say besides complimenting them profusely and being extremely fan-girlish. However, I’d love being able to watch some of my favorite artists (both past and present) working on their art so I could learn from their progress.
Who (or what) is your biggest influence?
It changes all the time. I have a bookmark labeled ‘inspirations’ which I update constantly and look through when I’m feeling unimaginative. I’m influenced by everything whether it be art nouveau paintings, fashion photography, an interesting color combination, or an eye-catching advertisement. Basically, anything that makes me want to pick up my tablet pen and start painting.
What do you wish for this new year?
I’d like to set up a professional portfolio website and take more time to draw for myself. I’ve really been meaning to create more personal art recently.
Do you have a style that you relate to the most?
I used to aim for realism, but now I suppose my art is becoming more stylized.
Can you offer any advice on how to build-up a portfolio / ‘getting your foot in the door’ for our readers wishing to start a career in this line of digital artist ?
I’m probably not the best person to give advice on the subject because I need all the advice I can get too! But I’d say gaining an online presence is very important and learning how to market yourself well will definitely help. In your portfolio have a variety of pieces, but keep them united under a similar style because that’s what will set you apart from other artists. Only put your best artwork in your portfolio!
Name 3 of your favorite (art) books/ magazines.
ImagineFX
Ballistic Publishing’s Expose
Ballistic Publishing’s Exotique
Do you have anyone/company you would like to collaborate/work together?
I’m not sure exactly, but really anyone/any company recognizable would be amazing.
What are the digital artist equipment(s) do you currently own?
I’m currently using my laptop and Wacom Intuos 3 9×12 tablet (which is probably one of my favorite possessions).
Name 3 softwares that you use the most, and tell us the function of each them.
I actually only use Photoshop CS5 because it does everything I need to paint digitally. I’d like to experiment with Painter one day though.
Chitchat: Anna Dittmann
Your Full Name
Anna Dittmann
Tell us about you.
Hi! I’m Anna, an 18-year-old illustrator. I’m currently studying illustration at SCAD and would love to eventually become a full-time, freelance illustrator.
When was the first time you fell in love with the digital art world? And why?
I think I was about 13 when I first discovered digital art. A lot of my favorite contemporary artists worked digitally, so I thought I’d give it a try as well. It was only when I discovered Photoshop did I begin taking digital art seriously. It quickly became my favorite medium because of its versatility. Working with unlimited colors and canvases also helped me experiment quite a lot which allowed me to grow as an artist.
Where are you located now? Do you wish to be somewhere else at this moment, instead?
I currently live in Savannah, Georgia but grew up in San Francisco, California. However, I’d love to travel around the world one day. I’ve always wanted to move to some place in Europe, or anywhere with a rich history and scenic surroundings.
What makes your works stand-out or different from other digital artist?
Everyone has a personal voice. I feel like mine is still developing, but I love drawing ethereal characters and combining graphic and realistic styles. I tend to include a lot of movement in my pieces and I always try to add some mystery and story behind each piece.
Have you heard/visited www.somethingwelike.com before? Do you have any inputs to make it better?
I haven’t, but I’ve been having fun reading all the interviews and learning about new artists!
How does working professionally differ from being an amateur in your opinion?
Besides the financial aspect, I feel that professionals are required to dedicate most of their lives to art. Passion and drive are necessary to succeed. Coping with deadlines and being able to interpret the client’s demands in an effective way are also distinguishing factors.
If you could meet w/ any artist (one) past or present, whom would it be?
I’m not really sure. If it was someone I really admired I probably wouldn’t know what to say besides complimenting them profusely and being extremely fan-girlish. However, I’d love being able to watch some of my favorite artists (both past and present) working on their art so I could learn from their progress.
Who (or what) is your biggest influence?
It changes all the time. I have a bookmark labeled ‘inspirations’ which I update constantly and look through when I’m feeling unimaginative. I’m influenced by everything whether it be art nouveau paintings, fashion photography, an interesting color combination, or an eye-catching advertisement. Basically, anything that makes me want to pick up my tablet pen and start painting.
What do you wish for this new year?
I’d like to set up a professional portfolio website and take more time to draw for myself. I’ve really been meaning to create more personal art recently.
Tell us several good online resources for digital artist you recommend visiting?
deviantart.com
cgsociety.com
conceptart.org
Do you have a style that you relate to the most?
I used to aim for realism, but now I suppose my art is becoming more stylized.
Can you offer any advice on how to build-up a portfolio / ‘getting your foot in the door’ for our readers wishing to start a career in this line of digital artist ?
I’m probably not the best person to give advice on the subject because I need all the advice I can get too! But I’d say gaining an online presence is very important and learning how to market yourself well will definitely help. In your portfolio have a variety of pieces, but keep them united under a similar style because that’s what will set you apart from other artists. Only put your best artwork in your portfolio!
Name 3 of your favorite (art) books/ magazines.
ImagineFX
Ballistic Publishing’s Expose
Ballistic Publishing’s Exotique
Do you have anyone/company you would like to collaborate/work together?
I’m not sure exactly, but really anyone/any company recognizable would be amazing.
What are the digital artist equipment(s) do you currently own?
I’m currently using my laptop and Wacom Intuos 3 9×12 tablet (which is probably one of my favorite possessions).
Name 3 softwares that you use the most, and tell us the function of each them.
I actually only use Photoshop CS5 because it does everything I need to paint digitally. I’d like to experiment with Painter one day though.
If you have online portfolio, what is the URL?
escume.deviantart.com
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